Job Responsibilities

Patient care specialists are important members of the healthcare team who often hold a high level of experience and ability.  Under the direction of the Nursing staff, they provide the most basic level of patient care, for those who need only minimal assistance to those who are totally dependent. Patient care specialists provide the support needed for daily living ; this includes duties such as feeding, dressing, grooming, moving, and changing linens. He or she also answers patients' call bells, serves meals ensuring nutritional requirements are met, dress, bathe and assist with other personal care tasks.  These specialists take temperatures, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure; perform glucometer tests and sterile insertion of urinary catheter; and help patients get in and out of bed or walk. They may also assist with elimination, help patients exercise or assist in physical therapy, collect patient blood, urine and tissue samples, sterilize equipment, and provide assistance in medical procedures or post mortem care. This person is often called to do tasks that are physically and emotionally demanding. Patient care is a job that requires heart-felt compassion and a desire to make people comfortable and happy. 

Is patient care for you?

Applicants should be tactful, patient, understanding, healthy, emotionally stable, dependable, and have a desire to help people. They should also be able to work as part of a team, have good communication skills, and be willing to perform repetitive, routine tasks. Health care workers must be in good health. A physical examination, including a tuberculosis test and immunization records/updates will be required. 

Patient Care is for you if you:

• Like people and communicate well with others.
• Have a calm, reassuring manner.
• Have the ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.
• Want to provide personal service to those incapable of caring for themselves.
• Desire to assist individuals to regain and maintain lost functions to ensure quality living.
• Have good judgment and common sense.
• Have stamina, good physical condition, good health and personal hygiene.
• Are energetic, spontaneous, and have a good sense of humor.